An Option You Haven’t Heard: Aaron Craft for Cleveland

Cleveland Cavaliers Dilemma May Be Solved, Just Let Me Explain.

Who is this guy? That is the question that may pop into your head when you see the name Aaron Craft. But, if you are a fan of Ohio State basketball, Aaron Craft is a very familiar name. Aaron Craft is among the best basketball players to ever come out of Ohio State University, falling in line with Mike Conley, Michael Redd, Evan Turner, Jared Sullenger, Greg Oden, D’Angelo Russell, etc. Craft stayed at Ohio State all four years he was eligible, and was named starter every game he played from his sophomore year and beyond. Craft was loved by Ohio State fans, his teammates (especially Jared Sullenger), and Thad Matta. With all the love Craft had, what has held him back?

Flickr/ via Basketinside il basket a 360°

Aaron went undrafted in the 2014 NBA Draft, leading him to the D-League to play for the Santa Cruz Warriors. In his first season in the D-League, Craft averaged 9.2 points, 6.2 assist, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.5 steals, started all 50 games, and also won the Defensive Player of the Year award in the D-League. That right there is what I believe should get you a chance in the NBA. Winning the D-League Defensive Player of the Year, Offensive Player of the Year, or the MVP. Besides my point, this season he averaged 13.5 points, 7.3 assist, 4.6 rebounds, and 2 steals in all 30 games played and started so far this season. Now playing in Italy for Dolomiti Energia Trento, averaging in his few games 9.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.1 assist (All stats available for Italian league).

Woah, those are a ton of stats, but it all pertains to the point.

Craft has shown nothing but progress. The NBA D-League teams are the closest teams that correlate to NBA teams, so why do the Cleveland Cavaliers not sign Aaron Craft? Not even to a 10 day contract? Matthew Dellavedova averaged 6.2 points, 3.7 assist, 2 rebounds, and .5 steals in the two seasons he played with the Cavs when they made the finals. Yes, Dellavedova played aggressive, and yes, Dellavedova played good defense that doesn’t directly add to the stat sheet. Aaron Craft does that too, winning DPOY isn’t easy no matter where you play, period.

Flickr/ via Eleven Warriors

I am not saying Aaron Craft is going to be the best point guard of all time when he hits the court

What I am saying is that Craft can be a very productive back up point guard and possibly a future starting point guard if given a chance. I think the one weakness he has is his draft position and/or lack of draft position. The NBA gave Jimmer Ferdette multiple chances. I’m not saying he didn’t deserve them, but, after being a great college player, a top 10 pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, and never averaging over 8 points in a NBA season, I think it is Aaron Craft’s turn.